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Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks | EpicureDelight

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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Chicken drumsticks rubbed with smoked paprika and garlic, air fried at 400°F for 22 minutes. A honey-soy-garlic glaze brushed on at the halfway mark caramelizes to a lacquered finish without scorching.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Rub
  • 8 chicken drumsticks about 2 lbs total, patted completely dry
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Honey Garlic Glaze
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Equipment

  • Air fryer (5-quart or larger)
  • Paper towels
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry Brush
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Pat the drumsticks completely dry with paper towels on all sides. Dry skin is essential for both crisping and glaze adhesion.
  2. Drizzle avocado oil over the drumsticks. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, then massage the rub evenly over all surfaces.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  4. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the basket, not touching. Air fry at 400°F for 11 minutes. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl to make the glaze.
  5. Flip each drumstick. Brush the exposed side generously with the honey garlic glaze. Cook for another 11 minutes. The skin should look deep amber and the glaze should be set and tacky.
  6. Check that an instant-read thermometer at the thickest point near the bone reads 175°F. Transfer to a wire rack and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Never brush the glaze on until the 11-minute flip point. Honey burns at air fryer temperatures if applied too early, leaving bitter skin before the meat is cooked through.nFor extra-crispy skin, refrigerate the seasoned drumsticks uncovered on a wire rack for 30 to 60 minutes before cooking.nBrush on a thin second coat of fresh glaze right before serving for maximum lacquer.

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